Team Stange Racing Announces Cup Series Debut With Ex-F1 Driver

Team Stange Racing joined the growing list of new teams entering NASCAR’s Cup Series, announcing its entry on Tuesday. The team will field the number 79 Ford Mustang in a limited schedule of eight starts. The team, owned by entrepreneur John Stange Jr., has competed primarily in ARCA, but has also competed in big events including the Indianapolis 500.

Behind the wheel will be former Formula One driver Tarso Marques. The Brazilian drove for the Minardi F1 team between 1996 and 2001, before going on to compete in CART with Team Penske and Dale Coyne Racing and eventually returning to his home country’s Stock Car Series. He hasn’t raced, however, for four years now, a period that included a stint in intensive care to recover from COVID-19, according to Autosport

However, the team is optimistic: owner John Stange Jr. said, “With an experienced driver like Tarso behind the wheel, we’re very optimistic about competing in the NASCAR Cup Series this year, with additional races and series to be announced.”

The team will focus on road courses, making its debut at Road America in July. The team also plans to run the Indianapolis Road Course, Watkins Glen, the Coke 400 at Daytona, the Charlotte Roval, Las Vegas, Homestead-Miami, and the championship race at Phoenix.

Sponsorship will come from blockchain companies DignityGold, which provides the DIGau token. The team suggested this support will last all eight races. The entire sponsorship, the team said, was actually paid in DIGau tokens.

“We’re thrilled for investors and the racing community to come together with this partnership from Dignity Gold, bringing value to the racetrack and race fans who possess a passion for digital securities and competitive racing,” said Stange. 

The 79 car scored its best-ever finish of second at Martinsville in 1950. Team Stange Racing will be hoping to do one better and add Marques to the short list of F1 drivers who’ve won at NASCAR’s highest level.

Owen Johnson